BY MATÉ ESPINA
Chief PNP, General Debold Sinas was in town till yesterday to lead the groundbreaking of the P10-million transient quarters for the police force at the Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. that houses the Negros Occidental Provincial Police headquarters.
Last Sunday, as we were on our way to visit the vacation home of my friend, Noel, we passed through the HQ and we were wondering how come there were so many cars lined-up along the road and realized that the Mañanita King was in town when we saw the welcoming tarpaulin with his face right by the gates.
If those vehicles are indicative of the number of guests within the HQ, I hope this time, proper protocols were practiced unlike that controversial birthday celebration Sinas had before he was appointed as chief of the country’s police force.
In news reports, Sinas made special mention of Deputy Minority Floor Leader and Abang Lingkod Rep. Stephen Paduano for his efforts in ensuring that the funding for the transient quarters will be included in the national budget.
Negros Occidental Gov. Bong Lacson was also present during the groundbreaking and thanked Sinas along with the Chiefs of the PNP Directorates that accompanied the top guy for visiting the province, believing that his presence will inspire and boost the confidence and morale of the police here.
Gov. Bong also urged everyone to rally behind the police saying that under the present circumstances there is clearly a “need for utmost unity and cooperation if we are to overcome the challenges” we are in.
During the event, Sinas joined other guests in a V formation or representation of the Voltes V which according to him is a personification of cooperation, coordination and collaboration. Hmmm.
Years back, Bacolod City also has a Voltes V group which included Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya, former Vice Mayor Thaddy Sayson, Councilors Al Victor Espino and Dindo Ramos and former Councilor Homer Bais.
Of course, that group disbanded eventually due to change in political affiliations. They’ve remained friends, or so I was told, and just perhaps may resurface again in the coming elections.
Sinas also met with Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon under a closed door meeting, talks of which were not made public.
Our bishops here in Negros have collectively denounced human rights abuses and the most vocal of them is San Carlos Bishop Gerry Alminaza whose diocese include portions of Negros Oriental where most killings have taken place under this administration.
In other news, the Silay City police force will be probed by the Commission on Human Rights after a video went viral, showing the police publicly marching residents who were apprehended for violating the mandatory wearing of face masks ordinance.
Silay City Mayor Mark Golez came to the defense of the police saying that was part of their disciplinary action against erring residents who continue to violate health protocols. They are made to choose between paying fines amounting between P1,000 to P5,000, do community work or join the shame parade if they have no means to pay the fines.
With hands outstretched, they march from the police station to the city’s Public Plaza where they are made to stand before a coffin to remind them of the seriousness of COVID-19.
After a ceremonial pledge not to commit the same mistakes, the violators are asked to pray, given facemasks and sent home. Hmmmm.
Of course the CHR has to come into the picture because as spokesperson, Jacqueline De Guia told news reporters, while they understand the need to work together to curb the pandemic, we must still be mindful that we have inherent human rights.
Some years back, local government units in some parts of Luzon have been criticized for publicly shaming drug offenders by parading them across town. Now, one can take part in the shame game for going around sans facemasks.
De Guia was on point in reminding both the police and the LGU that the present health crisis must be viewed as a human rights issue and not mere law enforcement agenda.
Silay’s methods perpetuate the idea that for as long as you have the money and the means to pay the fines, you can easily get away with violating the law. It is no wonder that we have the high society openly violating protocols and getting away with a slap on their wrists, accompanied by a donation.
Silay is among those badly hit by the flooding in Negros. It would have been admirable if they limited the option between paying fines or community work. These erring residents will certainly learn their lessons and become contributors to development if they were made to do river clean-ups, plant trees, and other doable environmental actions that will help address their communities’ problems.
Publicly shaming them brings us back to the Inquisition period. Barbaric means is simply abhorrent no matter what./PN
